Andrew Lannerd is a passionate tour director, avid traveller, collector and a leading expert on the inner workings and history of the British Monarchy. His primary area of study ranges from the reign of Queen Victoria (1837-1901) to the present day, and his interest in British Country Houses take him to every corner of the United Kingdom.

Drawing upon 20+ years of intensive research, his knowledge of the monarchy is often called upon by people researching the topic. Among his publishing accomplishments Andrew served as an interviewee and manuscript consultant for, “Royal Fever: The British Monarchy and Consumer Culture,” published by the University of California Press in 2015.

In 2021 Andrew published his own memoir titled, “Royal Recollections: Stories of Travel, Royalty and Collecting”. His latest book titled “96: What The Queen Meant to Us” explores the worldwide reaction to the death and legacy of Queen Elizabeth II. Both books are available on Amazon.

As a guest lecturer on the topic of British history and constitutional monarchy Andrew has shared his expertise with audiences both academic and social, including the English Speaking Union, and The Smithsonian Institution. After receiving numerous requests to combine his knowledge of history, love of travel and joy of entertaining, Andrew began to develop and lead heritage-focused tours of the United Kingdom and co-founded Transcendent Travel.

Having developed contacts throughout the United Kingdom, Andrew has offered tour guests access to exceptional experiences such as the renowned gardens of His Majesty The King at Highgrove, and private use of the former royal yacht, The Britannia. Building upon his passion for the Royal Family, he has also become a renowned collector and expert on rare British royal memorabilia.

Andrew’s personal collection features thousands of unique objects, including over 900 books, letters written by Queen Elizabeth II and other senior members of the Royal Family, signed photographs, a collection of Royal Wedding cakes, clothing worn by members of the Royal Family, and rare palace china, porcelain and glass. His collection has been featured in publications such as The Illustrated London News, Indianapolis Monthly as well as on American television stations ABC, NBC, CBS, and Fox affiliates, and most recently on the British series of Antiques Roadshow in a special episode celebrating the coronation of King Charles III.

The tours he has developed have been featured in The New York Times, Architectural Digest, The Times, London, and in Britain’s Daily Mail. Each article has highlighted the unique access guests receive during the tours he has curated for Transcendent Travel.

With a special passion for exceptional British programming, Andrew was a pioneer in developing British television themed tours, which he does on a regular basis for PBS affiliates throughout North America. In addition his tour partnerships with Acorn TV and Murdoch Mysteries offer guests special access to go “behind the screen” on location.

When not leading tours Andrew is an avid, “Royal watcher”, and has met all the members of the Royal Family at various events over the years. His engagements have involved attending private evenings at Buckingham Palace and many other notable events. In June 2017, Andrew was an invited guest to the Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace, and in 2019 to a private concert with The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall at their residence in Wales.

In 2018, Andrew was an invited guest to the wedding of the Duke & Duchess of Sussex at Windsor Castle.

When not in the United Kingdom, Andrew is often found exploring Europe and the wider world at every opportunity. His belief in the positivity of educational and experience-based travel has been a lifelong pursuit, and to date his travels have taken him to every continent (including Antarctica) and to nearly 100 countries.

Over the years Andrew has had the pleasure of leading thousands of guests on carefully curated, experience-focused tours. He resides in London and continues to be energised and inspired by the beauty of the United Kingdom at every turn.

Both titles are available on Amazon or as an e-book on Kindle.